12 string high end guitar for Kottke style

[Eso612]

Originally Posted by tadol

Keep your eyes open and you might find one of these - love mine -

I do really love SCGC guitars. My FS makes me happy every time I play even a single note.
Can you tell me something more?
Do you use light or medium gauge? Standard pitch?
If the pic is of your actual guitar I would say light, I can alse see the naked A high octave. Mahogany or Rosewood? Sitka top? Do you play Kottke's stuff? Have you ever tried? What nut width?

Thank you so much

[drive-south]

Goodall also makes a fine 12string.

[Mark L]

I play a lot of 12 string, and love Kottke.

You should look into a carbon fiber Emerald X20-12. Made in Ireland. I love mine. It sounds great and is an extremely strong, stable, easy playing instrument.

I have no financial interest in the company, fyi. Here’s their website:

Emeraldguitars.com

[Pitar]

I'd go back to the Guild F-412 from whence I came.

[Brucebubs]

Martin made just 231 of these nice rosewood jumbo 12-strings in 2009/10/11.
The Martin Grand J12-40E Special.

[FrankHudson]

I love Kottke, though I don't play like him in any discernable way. I'm not the guy to stop you from chasing your dream, but I'd echo the idea that the Leo Kottke Taylor model you already have is just the ticket if you're going for his style equipment-wise.

Back in 2001 when I bought my "good" 12-string it was neck and neck between your model and the Guild JF-30 12 string I eventually bought. The Guild sold in the same general price range, and that arched maple back jumbo body makes it a distinctive sounding 12. I don't recall details of sound differences from all the way back then, but I think I liked the neck on the Guild vs the Taylor a little bit more. I've admired those who played rosewood b&s Guild 12 strings too, but that's not what I'd choose for the Kottke type repertoire and sound. That would be a different sound if you're looking to branch out.

Similarly if you are attracted to the 12-string sound and want a different facet of it, lots of things to consider. I've always been attracted to those shorter scale 12-strings designed to be tuned higher than concert pitch, such as models that Veillette makes. I can image them bringing something new to your playing if you're similarly inclined. I keep a cheap 12-string with Steve Tibbetts stringing (unison, not octave strings for more courses).

If I read you right, you've got a desire and apparently some money to chase it. This sounds like you might want to consider talking with a luthier about your own model aiming for whatever differences and distinctions you're seeking.

[cliff_the_stiff]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Martin made just 231 of these nice rosewood jumbo 12-strings in 2009/10/11.
The Martin Grand J12-40E Special.

Wow- Never sell that!

[Gordon Currie]

An old friend of mine, Tracy Moore, is a world-class 12 string player.

Among other guitars, he used to play a Bozo, but he is currently playing a 12 string made by Tony Yamamoto. Last time I saw him, he was raving about it.

Don't know the price, but it's got to be less than an Olson!

[Racerbob]

I love Tony's work, have a one off custom by him. Unfortunately Tony has retired and moved to Japan.

[The Bard Rocks]

I'd contact Nick Appollonio and will bet you can have a completely custom guitar for far less than the Taylor you are thinking of. He has made over 1000 instruments, mostly multi-coursed too, and has made some for several pretty famous people. Think: Judy Collins, Gordon Bok, Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter Paul & Mary).....

Mine is a life-time keeper, a pleasure to use. I gave up a Martin 12-20 for it, no comparison. Plus, he was a lot of fun to work with, very receptive to new ideas.

[tadol]

Originally Posted by Eso612

I do really love SCGC guitars. My FS makes me happy every time I play even a single note.
Can you tell me something more?
Do you use light or medium gauge? Standard pitch?
If the pic is of your actual guitar I would say light, I can alse see the naked A high octave. Mahogany or Rosewood? Sitka top? Do you play Kottke's stuff? Have you ever tried? What nut width?

Thank you so much

I’m running light guage on this one, and yes, I broke the octave A and haven’t gotten a replacement - this one is walnut, and I have another in maple. Not that I play that much 12 string, but I recognize a great deal when it comes up. I think they are both 1-⅞” nut.
.

[Quickstep192]

If I’m not mistaken, Leo Kottke played a guitar made by Charlie Hoffman at one point. Keep an eye out for one of Charlie’s 12’s. His build quality is impeccable.

[Racerbob]

Leo had lots of work done on his guitars by Charlie but to his disappointment never used one of Charlie's 12 strings.

[Eso612]

Thank you for your many informations. I spent the day reading and listening to a lot of things. Working with a luthier would be great. I have to read more to clear up my mind.

[GBS]

Originally Posted by Eso612

Can you name some other brands at a higher price?

What Leo is selling are all listed at reverb.com